Legislator Jim Mazzarella (R-Moriches) succeeded the long-served Legislator Kate Browning (D), cementing southeastern Brookhaven’s shift to the right. Mazzarella’s community and civic engagement and his understanding of public works has allowed him to be directly involved in public safety improvements in Mastic, sewer infrastructure and downtown revitalization of Mastic, the planning of the new Smith Point bridge, as well as other initiatives for his district.
While his opponent, Thad O’Neil (D-Brookhaven) is passionate about the environment, he appears to be a single-issue candidate, lacking Mazzarella’s comprehensive understanding of the responsibilities of a Legislator. When asked his stance on the sewer bill in our interview with him in September, O’Neil admitted he had not read the bill.
The Messenger endorses Legislator Jim Mazzarella for Suffolk County Legislature, District Three.
The Messenger’s forecast for this race: Safe Republican.